Scarlet fever
About Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is caused by infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria produce a toxin (poison), which
cause the scarlet rash from which this illness gets its name.
Not all streptococci bacteria make this toxin and not all kids are sensitive. Two children in the same family may both
Have strep infections, but one child (who is sensitive to the toxin) may develop the rash of scarlet fever while the
not others. Usually, if a child has this scarlet rash and other symptoms of strep throat, it can be treated with
Antibiotics. So if your child these symptoms, it is important to call your doctor.
Symptoms of Scarlet Fever
The rash is the most striking sign of scarlet fever. It usually starts like a bad sunburn with tiny bumps and seek
may itch. The rash usually appears first on the neck and face, often leaving a clear unaffected area around the mouth. They
spreads to the chest and back, then to the rest of the body. In body creases, especially around the underarms and elbows,
the rash forms classic red streaks. Areas of rash usually turn white when you press on them. By the sixth day of
Infection the rash usually fades, but the affected skin may begin to peel.
Aside from the rash, there are usually other symptoms that help to confirm a diagnosis of scarlet fever, including a
reddened sore throat, fever over 101 ° F (38.3 ° C) and swollen glands in the neck. The tonsils and back of the throat
can be covered with a whitish coating, or appear red, swollen, and dotted with whitish or yellowish specks of pus. Early
in the infection, the tongue may be a whitish or yellowish coating. Can have a child with scarlet fever and chills,
Body aches, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
When scarlet fever occurs because of a throat infection, the fever typically stops within 3 to 5 days and the wound
Throat goes soon after. The scarlet fever rash usually fades on the sixth day after sore throat symptoms began, but
Skin that was covered by rash may begin to peel. This scrub can take 10 days. With antibiotic treatment, the infection
itself is usually cured with a 10-day course of antibiotics, but it may take a few weeks for tonsils and swollen glands
return to normal.
In rare cases, scarlet fever may develop from a streptococcal skin infection such as impetigo. In these cases, the child
not a sore throat.
Prevent scarlet fever
The bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever is contagious. A child who has scarlet fever can spread the bacteria
others through nasal and throat fluids by sneezing and coughing. If a child causes a skin infection caused by streptococcus
Bacteria such as impetigo, it can be transmitted through contact with the skin.
In everyday life, there is no perfect way to prevent the infections that cause scarlet fever. When a child is sick at home,
it is always safest to keep that child's drinking glasses and eating utensils separate from those of other family members,
and these objects thoroughly in hot soapy water. Wash your own hands frequently as you like for a child with a nursing home
Streptococcal infection.
The treatment of scarlet
If your child has a rash and the doctor suspects scarlet fever, he or she will usually have a throat culture (a painless
Throat swab secretions) if the bacteria grow in the laboratory. Once a strep infection is confirmed, the doctor
will probably prescribe an antibiotic for your child to be taken for about 10 days.
Caring for a child with scarlet fever
A child with a severe sore throat may find that eating is painful, as the soft foods or a liquid diet may
required. Include soothing teas and warm nutritious soups, or cool soft drinks, milkshakes and ice cream. Verify
that the child drinks plenty of fluids.
Use a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, since this will help soothe the sore throat. A moist warm towel
can help around your child's neck to soothe swollen glands.
If the rash itches, make sure that your child's fingernails are trimmed short so that the skin is not damaged by scratching.
When to call the doctor
Call the doctor if your child suddenly develops a rash, especially if it is accompanied by a fever, sore throat, or
swollen glands. This is especially important if your child has any of the symptoms of sore throat, or if someone in your
Family or in your child's school has recently had a streptococcal infection.